Damaged Roof with missing shingles
Prime Roofing & Exteriors
Its actually quite common for a home to lose a few shingles from an old roof. Time and Mother Nature have a way of telling us it may be time to take a close look at our roof.
Prime Roofing & Exteriors
EMERGENCY
As years go by- a new roof dries out and the shingles are less pliable. Wind can lift these brittle shingles and snap them off. Other factors such as improper installation, foot traffic, and damage caused from shoveling a roof can cause shingles to slide or fall off altogether.
A roof with missing shingles is not only unsightly- its usually a source of leaks and can lead to insect and rodent infestation-as well as rotted roof decking. Any missing shingles should be replaced as soon as they are noticed. Its also a signal to have your roof inspected, as missing shingles are a sign that wear and tear is taking its toll on an older roof.
Maintaining your roof
Your insurance company will inspect your roof when you apply for insurance. They may charge you more or refuse to insure you based on what they see. Use this checklist to keep your roof in good shape:
- Remove tree limbs hanging over or near your roof.
- Check your roof for missing or damages shingles after a storm.
- Check your chimney for loose bricks that might fall on your roof.
- Keep gutters clean to keep water from damaging your roof.
- Hire a roof inspector every few years to find issues early.
The method you’ll use for fixing damaged roof shingles will largely depend on the type of damage you’re dealing with. Fixing missing shingles will, for example, be more straightforward than fixing shingles that are lifting away from the roof or fixing them on a steep roof.
If you notice that shingles are missing from your roof, the sooner you can do something about it, the better. Missing shingles can weaken your roof which could, eventually, cause it to cave in.
To fix missing roof shingles, all you need to do is put your replacement shingle in place of the one that’s missing. Then, nail it into position using roofing nails, following the pre-cut holes in the shingle if there are any. To avoid the shingle coming loose again, apply small spots of shingle cement under the tab and press firmly.
The older your roof shingles are, the more likely they are to lift and curl at the corners. When it comes to fixing roof shingles in this condition, you’ll need a caulking gun filled with shingle cement. Use it to apply dabs of the cement under the shingle’s curling corners.
Once you’ve applied your adhesive, you need to weigh the shingle down. Simply applying pressure with your hand won’t cut it. Instead, you’ll need to use a brick to push it down flat and leave it in place for at least 24 hours. After that time has passed, climb back up to the roof and, if the sealant is dry, remove the brick.
Fixing shingles on a roof is harder to do if your roof is steep. To do so on a stable surface, you’ll require additional equipment, namely a roof jack.
A roof jack is a secure way of attaching a plank of wood to the roof so that you can work safely. Simply hammer the jack into place, ideally over a rafter, using 16d nails rather than roofing nails. Then, insert a wooden board that fits inside the jack, making sure it overhangs by around six inches. Secure using a drill.
Fixing damaged roof shingles doesn’t have to cost a lot. If you do it yourself, you’ll only have to pay for things like replacement shingles, which are cheap, shingle cement, and a caulking gun. You may also need to invest in a roof jack if your roof is steep. However, these costs will mount over time.
The best way to avoid damaged roof shingles is to get a roof installed that requires no maintenance. Dry fixed roofing, for example, does not degrade over time like traditional wet mortar roofs do, even in adverse weather conditions. So, in the long run, a dry fixed roof could save you time and money.
It’s easy enough to fix damaged roof shingles yourself, whether they’re missing, lifting, or on a steep roof. But, to avoid them altogether, you’ll need to invest in better quality roofing from the outset.
